The Palaeontologist's Hammer
@palaeohammer.bsky.social
Scientific Insight on your Toronto Raptors
by Mac Priebe
by Mac Priebe
Pinned
Using the tools of palaeontology research to analyze the Raptors of Toronto: Describing phenomena of the past; developing an understanding of its direct effect on the present; and applying those theories to future pathways.
My first comment on that game winning buzzer beater (to my wife)
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
December 5, 2025 at 3:14 AM
My first comment on that game winning buzzer beater (to my wife)
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
4th Quarter
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
December 5, 2025 at 2:36 AM
4th Quarter
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
Lakers @ Raptors
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
December 5, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Lakers @ Raptors
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
Thinking about Giannis, the Hawks are the OBVIOUS destination.
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
December 4, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Thinking about Giannis, the Hawks are the OBVIOUS destination.
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
Re: Giannis
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
December 3, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Re: Giannis
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
4th Quarter
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
December 3, 2025 at 2:41 AM
4th Quarter
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
Halftime Takeaways
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
December 3, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Halftime Takeaways
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
2nd Quarter
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
December 3, 2025 at 1:18 AM
2nd Quarter
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
Trail Blazers @ Raptors
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
December 3, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Trail Blazers @ Raptors
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
Final Takeaways
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
December 1, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Final Takeaways
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
Reposted by The Palaeontologist's Hammer
This was probably a scheduled loss anyway, hence the decision to rest Poeltl tonight rather than in the friendlier matchup yesterday. Splitting these 2 would’ve been a good outcome. Letting the Charlotte game (up 12 with 6 minutes left vs an inferior team) slip away really hurts.
December 1, 2025 at 1:08 AM
This was probably a scheduled loss anyway, hence the decision to rest Poeltl tonight rather than in the friendlier matchup yesterday. Splitting these 2 would’ve been a good outcome. Letting the Charlotte game (up 12 with 6 minutes left vs an inferior team) slip away really hurts.
4th Quarter
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
December 1, 2025 at 12:59 AM
4th Quarter
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
3rd Quarter
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
December 1, 2025 at 12:28 AM
3rd Quarter
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
Halftime Takeaways
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
December 1, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Halftime Takeaways
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
2nd Quarter
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
November 30, 2025 at 11:45 PM
2nd Quarter
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
Reposted by The Palaeontologist's Hammer
Four 3s for Deuce McBride in the first five minutes. If he keeps this up and scores 114 points on 38 3s it would be a record.
November 30, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Four 3s for Deuce McBride in the first five minutes. If he keeps this up and scores 114 points on 38 3s it would be a record.
1st Quarter
Raptors have had good luck with opponents shooting poorly from three...looks like some regression to the mean in live time
Raptors have had good luck with opponents shooting poorly from three...looks like some regression to the mean in live time
November 30, 2025 at 11:20 PM
1st Quarter
Raptors have had good luck with opponents shooting poorly from three...looks like some regression to the mean in live time
Raptors have had good luck with opponents shooting poorly from three...looks like some regression to the mean in live time
Hmmm, a small lineup.
Great opportunity for Battle here. I really hope he shows well
That said, his usage is downright confusing. It makes me wonder if there isn't some unknown issue going on behind the scenes.
(Maybe just health? He was unavailable a couple times somewhat recently...)
Great opportunity for Battle here. I really hope he shows well
That said, his usage is downright confusing. It makes me wonder if there isn't some unknown issue going on behind the scenes.
(Maybe just health? He was unavailable a couple times somewhat recently...)
Battle and WALTER starting alongside Quickley, Barnes and Ingram tonight.
November 30, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Hmmm, a small lineup.
Great opportunity for Battle here. I really hope he shows well
That said, his usage is downright confusing. It makes me wonder if there isn't some unknown issue going on behind the scenes.
(Maybe just health? He was unavailable a couple times somewhat recently...)
Great opportunity for Battle here. I really hope he shows well
That said, his usage is downright confusing. It makes me wonder if there isn't some unknown issue going on behind the scenes.
(Maybe just health? He was unavailable a couple times somewhat recently...)
Raptors @ Knicks
Nov 20, 2025
Down 2 starters and on the back-end of a road back-to-back, the Raptors need players to step up beyond Scottie, BI and IQ. There are extra minutes to be had, and players who surely want more of a chance; To win tonight, they'll need some of those guys to take advantage
Nov 20, 2025
Down 2 starters and on the back-end of a road back-to-back, the Raptors need players to step up beyond Scottie, BI and IQ. There are extra minutes to be had, and players who surely want more of a chance; To win tonight, they'll need some of those guys to take advantage
November 30, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Raptors @ Knicks
Nov 20, 2025
Down 2 starters and on the back-end of a road back-to-back, the Raptors need players to step up beyond Scottie, BI and IQ. There are extra minutes to be had, and players who surely want more of a chance; To win tonight, they'll need some of those guys to take advantage
Nov 20, 2025
Down 2 starters and on the back-end of a road back-to-back, the Raptors need players to step up beyond Scottie, BI and IQ. There are extra minutes to be had, and players who surely want more of a chance; To win tonight, they'll need some of those guys to take advantage
Watching this from @justesbaraheni.bsky.social (get on Bluesky!!!), a thought
While BI was excellent through 3 quarters, the real takeaway down the stretch was that CHA had no answer for Scottie. Darko needed to recognize and adjust as BI struggled down the stretch.
youtu.be/7PUpNoDdZ2c?...
While BI was excellent through 3 quarters, the real takeaway down the stretch was that CHA had no answer for Scottie. Darko needed to recognize and adjust as BI struggled down the stretch.
youtu.be/7PUpNoDdZ2c?...
Raptors Go SCORELESS For 5 Minutes In BRUTAL Loss To Hornets
YouTube video by Raptors Republic
youtu.be
November 30, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Watching this from @justesbaraheni.bsky.social (get on Bluesky!!!), a thought
While BI was excellent through 3 quarters, the real takeaway down the stretch was that CHA had no answer for Scottie. Darko needed to recognize and adjust as BI struggled down the stretch.
youtu.be/7PUpNoDdZ2c?...
While BI was excellent through 3 quarters, the real takeaway down the stretch was that CHA had no answer for Scottie. Darko needed to recognize and adjust as BI struggled down the stretch.
youtu.be/7PUpNoDdZ2c?...
Excellent piece by @brucearthur.bsky.social reminding us that Masai built this team.
He should be a part of this sucess now, and the fact that he isn't is a stain on those who decided to get rid of him.
www.thestar.com/sports/rapto...
He should be a part of this sucess now, and the fact that he isn't is a stain on those who decided to get rid of him.
www.thestar.com/sports/rapto...
Bruce Arthur: Masai Ujiri is smiling somewhere. These are his Raptors, and this is his answer to the doubters
The decisions that created this team were made with patience and talent acquisition in mind, and here we are.
www.thestar.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Excellent piece by @brucearthur.bsky.social reminding us that Masai built this team.
He should be a part of this sucess now, and the fact that he isn't is a stain on those who decided to get rid of him.
www.thestar.com/sports/rapto...
He should be a part of this sucess now, and the fact that he isn't is a stain on those who decided to get rid of him.
www.thestar.com/sports/rapto...
Final Takeaways
Games like this are healthy in the long run, as important lessons/reminders. This kind of embarrassing loss should get them hungry again.
To me, it looked like too many things were taken for granted out there, including...
Games like this are healthy in the long run, as important lessons/reminders. This kind of embarrassing loss should get them hungry again.
To me, it looked like too many things were taken for granted out there, including...
November 30, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Final Takeaways
Games like this are healthy in the long run, as important lessons/reminders. This kind of embarrassing loss should get them hungry again.
To me, it looked like too many things were taken for granted out there, including...
Games like this are healthy in the long run, as important lessons/reminders. This kind of embarrassing loss should get them hungry again.
To me, it looked like too many things were taken for granted out there, including...
OVERTIME
Hard to feel good about the Raptors' chances. They have shot terribly in the second half and have been outscored 20-8 since extending their 4Q lead to 12
Hard to feel good about the Raptors' chances. They have shot terribly in the second half and have been outscored 20-8 since extending their 4Q lead to 12
November 30, 2025 at 1:35 AM
OVERTIME
Hard to feel good about the Raptors' chances. They have shot terribly in the second half and have been outscored 20-8 since extending their 4Q lead to 12
Hard to feel good about the Raptors' chances. They have shot terribly in the second half and have been outscored 20-8 since extending their 4Q lead to 12
Darko should have seen this coming. Ingram hasn't shot well, but CHA went for the double anyway. Take advanrage of that and have him pass out of the it.
Scottie is open with a mismatch from 8 feet; that should have been the play.
Scottie is open with a mismatch from 8 feet; that should have been the play.
November 30, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Darko should have seen this coming. Ingram hasn't shot well, but CHA went for the double anyway. Take advanrage of that and have him pass out of the it.
Scottie is open with a mismatch from 8 feet; that should have been the play.
Scottie is open with a mismatch from 8 feet; that should have been the play.
Everyone in the gym expects the ball to go to BI.
With how he's been shooting, it would seem to be a good time to use him as a decoy and have him assist the last attempt
With how he's been shooting, it would seem to be a good time to use him as a decoy and have him assist the last attempt
November 30, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Everyone in the gym expects the ball to go to BI.
With how he's been shooting, it would seem to be a good time to use him as a decoy and have him assist the last attempt
With how he's been shooting, it would seem to be a good time to use him as a decoy and have him assist the last attempt